The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

Former Sheffield United, Tottenham and Manchester City fullback Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The 35-year-old, who currently plays for Premier League strugglers Burnley, has 96 caps and featured in five major tournaments, including the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals.

Walker leaves the International scene, being recognised as one of the best defenders of his generation and a full-back too. In his prime and earlier in his career, Kyle Walker was an attacking full-back famed for bombing up and down the pitch.

When he signed with the City in 2016, he was arguably the reason the Blues embarked on a very successful decade of complete dominance in the Premier League.

What made the now former England man a vital player for England was his ability to play in a three-man defence. Although a full-back by trade, he was a valuable player thanks to his maturity and willingness to learn.

A player of this magnitude would usually be hard to lace, but in the right-back area, England are well-stocked. Kieran Trippier, who was a regular under Gareth Southgate, is an option, as is Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James (if the Chelsea skipper can stay fit).

Trippier’s Newcastle teammate Tino Livramento can play in that position too. Enjoy your retirement, Kyle. Your squad has got you!